Plea for Grace August 25, 2022

James 1:2-4, 12 ESV - 
2 Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, 
3 for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. 
4 And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing. ... 
12 Blessed is the man who remains steadfast under trial, for when he has stood the test he will receive the crown of life, which God has promised to those who love him.

Yes, it’s the same passage as yesterday. I need the extra reminder that steadfastness is the goal in the testing of our faith . . .

Here is my current opportunity for counting a trial “joy” because I have an opportunity to learn patience and endurance —

ants

in

my

kitchen

not in the cupboards (thank you) or on the floor, but on only one countertop. And I can’t find where they are coming in. I have vinegar-rinsed and peppermint oiled and washed and done all the things . . .sigh.

How is it that I can pretty much roll with lung spasms and partial blindness from retinal spasms . . . but ants on my kitchen counter will send me into a full-blown tizzy!?

Because I need to repent and remember that I am to submit my will to God in the “little” things as well as in the big things.

Psalm 19:13 ESV – 13 Keep back your servant also from presumptuous sins; let them not have dominion over me! Then I shall be blameless, and innocent of great transgression.

The “endurance” I am learning is that as long as I am on this side of glory, I will never be “too mature” to be derailed by a trial, and turn such trial designed by God to strengthen me into a temptation that Satan means to destroy me.

1. I need Thee every hour, most gracious Lord;
   No tender voice like Thine can peace afford.
   • Refrain:
     I need Thee, oh, I need Thee;
     Every hour I need Thee;
     Oh, bless me now, my Savior,
     I come to Thee.
2. I need Thee every hour, stay Thou nearby;
   Temptations lose their pow’r when Thou art nigh.
3. I need Thee every hour, in joy or pain;
   Come quickly and abide, or life is vain.
4. I need Thee every hour; teach me Thy will;
   And Thy rich promises in me fulfill.
5. I need Thee every hour, most Holy One;
   Oh, make me Thine indeed, Thou blessed Son.

Annie S. Hawks

The “ant eradicator” comes today — and he always gets rid of the spider webs as well — even the water roaches! (Yes, I live in the South)

Pray for the Persecuted Church–OpenDoorsUSA

Day 4: Ask God to use His church in Niger in bold and
powerful ways for His glory in both their families and
communities

Daily Wisdom
Psalm 25, 55, 85, 115, 145
Proverbs 25